Washington, DC is one of those places where you feel the world come together. People come here for the history, the cherry blossoms, the museums, sometimes just to say they’ve seen the White House with their own eyes.
But stick around long enough and you’ll realize that what really keeps people coming back is the culture. And that culture? It lives just as much in the food as it does in the monuments and museums.
If you’re only eating in the shadow of the Capitol dome, you’re missing out. Because the flavor of DC stretches across the river into Northern Virginia, and if you want a real taste of the Capital Region, what locals call the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), it’s time to grab a tray at Rocklands Barbeque.
Why Rocklands is on Every Traveler’s List
Here’s the thing – Rocklands isn’t just another BBQ joint. It’s become a must-stop for everyone from backpackers to embassy staffers to locals showing off their city to visiting family. Whether you’re coming from the National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, or the cobblestones of Old Town Alexandria, you’ll find a Rocklands nearby, ready to welcome you in that way only BBQ places can – with the smell of smoke and the promise of a good meal.
And don’t just take my word for it. You hear it in the accents at the tables, and you see it on Google reviews from people who made Rocklands part of their DC story:
- From Canada, after Arlington National Cemetery: “We visited the Arlington location after a long day at the National Cemetery. It was exactly the comfort food we needed.”
- From Germany, after the National Cathedral: “The perfect stop after going to the museums and the National Cathedral. We loved the smokiness of the ribs and got a few hot sauces to take back with us.
- From who-knows-where, wandering Old Town Alexandria: “Found this gem while visiting Old Town Alexandria. The meat was so smokey and tender. The staff was so helpful too in picking sides.”
We Speak Your Language—Literally
Figuring out what to order in a new city can be intimidating, especially when you’re not a native English speaker. Rocklands gets it. Not only can you pull up their website and menus in Spanish, French, and a few other languages with just a tap on your phone, but the staff is ready to walk you through exactly what brisket is, how the collard greens taste, and why you should probably save room for banana pudding.
It’s their way of making sure nobody misses out on the good stuff just because of a language barrier. Southern hospitality, DC-style.
A BBQ Pit Stop for Every Itinerary
One of the best things about Rocklands is you’re never that far from a location, no matter where your sightseeing takes you.
- In the District (Wisconsin Ave): After marveling at the National Cathedral or meeting pandas at the National Zoo, you’re a short walk or drive from Rocklands’ flagship spot in Glover Park. This is where it all started and always full of locals and the smell of barbeque.
- In Arlington: Visiting Arlington National Cemetery or the Iwo Jima Memorial can be heavy, and you’ll need a place to recharge. Rocklands Arlington is close by, and you’ll find it full of folks swapping stories about their day over ribs and mac and cheese.
- In Alexandria: Spend your afternoon strolling Old Town’s waterfront or making the pilgrimage to Mount Vernon. When your feet give out, Rocklands Alexandria is where the locals go to eat, unwind, and grab an extra bottle of sauce for the road.
The Universal Language of Fire and Smoke
Here’s something every traveler knows.
You don’t need to speak the same language to connect over food cooked with fire. Every culture has its own version, but American barbeque is its own thing and Rocklands does it right.
People come for the “real deal”. They want to see the woodpile out back, to smell the red oak and hickory smoke drifting down the block, to watch the pitmasters at work. There’s always someone new at the next table, asking what a “Rocklands Pearl” is (don’t ask, just try one), and by the end of the meal, it’s not uncommon to see total strangers swapping sauce tips or sharing picnic tables like old friends.
Taking the Flavor Home
Some souvenirs are better than others. At Rocklands, the hot sauce wall draws people like moths to a flame folks grab bottles to take home to London, Tokyo, Rio, you name it. And if you see someone rocking a Rocklands T-shirt in an airport at Dulles, you know they ate well on their trip.
Before You Go…
Whether you came 3,000 miles to see the monuments or just crossed the bridge from Arlington, do yourself a favor and skip the chain restaurants – come eat like a local. Pull up Rocklands’ translated menu on your phone, find the closest spot to your hotel, and see what all the fuss is about. Because in DC, the real flavor is found somewhere between the monuments and the Potomac and chances are, it’s coming off a wood-fired grill.
Planning your visit to the Nation’s Capital?
From our main restaurant locations in DC, Arlington, and Alexandria, to our stand inside Nationals Park (Section 118) – we’re ready for you! No matter where you’re visiting from, be sure to use the website translation tool to plan your perfect BBQ feast.
